Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, accounting for approximately 1 to 1.2 kg of an adult's body weight, with nearly 99% stored in the bones and teeth. It plays a fundamental structural role by ensuring the strength and density of bone tissue, while also contributing to dental mineralisation. Beyond its skeletal function, calcium contributes to the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction — including that of the cardiac muscle — and blood clotting. These physiological processes require a constant supply, which the body secures by drawing on bone reserves when dietary intake is insufficient. The main dietary sources of calcium include dairy products, legumes, nuts, and certain green vegetables. However, inadequate intake remains common, particularly among people following restrictive diets, post-menopausal women, and older adults. Calcium supplementation can therefore help meet daily requirements and contribute to maintaining normal bone density.